offline

adjective

off·​line ˈȯf-ˈlīn How to pronounce offline (audio)
variants or less commonly off-line
1
: not connected to or served by a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system
One of the servers is offline.
… we suggest you keep a backup of your digital assets in offline storage, too. This storage can provide some cushioning if your online investment disappears in an instant.The Denver (Colorado) Post
also : done or occurring independently of such a system
our online and offline lives
offline activities/events
Movies and shows can be downloaded via the app for offline viewing. Dan Auty
2
of a person : not available (as for communication) especially by way of the the Internet
She was having computer trouble, she told him, and would be offline for a while.Mark Warren
off-line adverb

Examples of offline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Customers today expect a seamless experience across all touchpoints, whether online or offline. Ken Thomas, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Paywall-free reading of new articles and over a century of archives Unlock access to iOS/Android apps to save editions for offline reading Six issues a year in print and online, plus audio articles Subscribe Now DAVID SACKS is Fellow for Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 Sadly, though, the feature has yet to receive FDA clearance in the U.S. Along with offering even more advanced fitness features, the Pixel Watch 3 is also an even more capable smartwatch with offline Google Maps and better integration with other Google services. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2024 More than 1,000 servers were taken offline in Hong Kong and almost 300 more in Macau. Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024 Shenzhen Fashion Week, meanwhile, got a strong revamp and focused on professionalism, globalization, and commercialization by leveraging diverse resources to stage a series of events, including brand shows, exhibitions, forums, and order-placing meetings both online and offline. Li Jun, WWD, 3 Nov. 2024 Marketing and selling expenses decreased to $67.8 million from $77.0 million, primarily due to a decrease in offline advertising. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 The lab, which has established itself as a stepping stone for independent South Asian cinema, will continue its hybrid format combining online and offline sessions. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 This device is completely offline and relies on interchangeable characters programmed to play three stories each when attached to the player. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of offline was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near offline

Cite this Entry

“Offline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offline. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

offline

adjective
off·​line
ˈȯ-ˈflīn
1
: not connected to or controlled by a computer
an offline printer
2
: not available (as for communication) especially by way of the Internet
she was offline all day
off-line adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on offline

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